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Leading up to the GC&E Conference we will be posting interviews with our 2017 GC&E Conference organizers to learn a little more about them and the excellent sessions you can look forward to at this year’s conference!
Brian Sparling, Ph.D., Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen
Session: The Wild “Green” Yonder: Emerging Technologies to Enable Sustainable Organic Synthesis
Q: What motivates you to work in the green chemistry & engineering space?
A: As a medicinal chemist, my goal is to make a variety of high purity compounds in a timely manner in, initially, relatively small amounts. At face value, it can be challenging to effectively implement the principles of green chemistry to this type of work; however, the cumulative impact of changing the culture of medicinal chemistry to be green may not only have a significant impact on the sustainability of our work, but also shorten project timelines as these processes are scaled, and a compound is pushed forward through the developmental pipeline. Thus, the implementation of green chemistry is a win-win-win scenario for medicinal chemistry, my company and the environment. To me, it just makes sense!
Q: In one sentence, describe the session you are organizing at GC&E.
A: The session highlights recent advances in the field of organic synthesis that promote aspects of green chemistry.
Q: What will attendees learn at your GC&E session? What makes it unique?
A: The four speakers at my session will focus on new methodology at the forefront of organic synthesis. Late-stage functionalization, bimetallic catalysis, iron catalysis, and strain-release amination will be highlighted, as well as practical applications. It should be very interesting to anyone who does organic synthesis!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of the GC&E Conference?
A: What amazes me most is seeing the creative ways in which the principles of green chemistry are being applied to research across many different disciplines.
Q: What are you currently focused on in your work or research?
A: Chronic pain is an affliction to which there are few effective, non-addictive treatment options. My research is focused on developing new pain therapeutics and the validation of new protein targets that may be relevant to the treatment of pain.
Q: If you weren't a chemist, what would you be doing?
A: The restoration of antique sports cars
Q: When you aren't at work, how do you spend your free time?
A: Going on adventures with my daughter!
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